In a special achievement for Arab cinema, Lebanese director Nadine Labaki’s “Capharnaum” has been shortlisted for the Oscars’ Best Foreign Language Film, on Sunday. Labaki became the first female Arab director to make this achievement, after previous nominations were limited to works by male Arab directors. This also marks the second time – and the second consecutive year – that a Lebanese film has reached the shortlist. After years of research, tears and sweat, long production hours and sleepless nights, our film has been recognized on this year’s Foreign Language Oscar shortlist,” Labaki gleamed in an Instagram post. The film tells the story of Zain (Zain al-Rafeea), a Lebanese boy who sues his parents for the “crime” of giving him life.

Source: Egypt Independent December 19, 2018 11:43 UTC